Hydrogen Application Landscape Expands as Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Technology Develops into the “Golden Age” – Tsinghua University
On May 20, during a high-profile hydrogen production system release conference held in Hengxi City, Jiangsu Province, the Jiangsu Hydrogen Energy Industry Development Limited officially launched a new solid oxide electrolysis hydrogen production system. This system is designed with the overall planning of Tsinghua University‘s research team, which includes leading experts in energy and power engineering.
As a new type of high-efficiency hydrogen production technology, the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) can replace traditional combustion engines for stable power supply. It simultaneously captures excess heat for use in heating and hot water, achieving an overall efficiency of over 85%. The system is capable of providing uninterrupted power for 24 hours, making it suitable for applications in hospitals, educational institutions, and telecommunications stations, ensuring stable operation.
In addition, the SOFC can also establish microgrids to solve issues related to weak electricity networks, supporting hospitals, schools, and communication hubs to maintain stable operations. In business conglomerates, the fuel cells can meet high energy demands and reduce reliance on municipal power grids, enhancing energy resilience.
Compared to alkaline hydrogen production and polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis technologies, SOFC systems are noted for their higher efficiency and lower costs, making them a promising high-performance hydrogen production technology.
With the government promoting a “carbon neutrality” goal, the solid oxide fuel cell technology has been advancing rapidly, entering what is referred to as the “Golden Age.”
In the Hengxi hydrogen energy production base, the hydrogen production facility is already under construction, with various high-end hydrogen production projects commencing. According to regulations for the Hengxi hydrogen energy industry, a “solar hydrogen generation + green hydrogen production” supply system will be established, implementing hydrogen transport pipelines and integrating green hydrogen with modern industrial clusters to accelerate deployment.
During the launch conference, the general manager of Jiangsu Hydrogen Energy stated that the company has already completed the first hydrogen energy production project using solid oxide fuel cells. Furthermore, plans are underway to establish an automatic hydrogen production line capable of generating 50 standard cubic meters of hydrogen per hour, which is already in progress. By 2026, the company aims to initiate the construction of a 300-megawatt (MW) hydrogen production facility, representing a significant step towards achieving its production goals.
Source: Liu Shanshan, May 23, 2025, 08:26:23
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